Monthly Archives: November 2012

Now that a week has gone by since the election, I still feel a dull ache, as many of you do, when I think about the results. I’ll eventually accept what’s happened and move on. For now, I’m not sure what stage of grief I’m in (probably somewhere around denial), and I’m sure there’s a psychologist out there somewhere who could tell me how long I should expect it to take to fully recover, but I just think it may be a while.

Notwithstanding the disappointing result, there are reasons to be encouraged. We still have the greatest system in the world. We, as a nation, cast our ballots to pick the person we thought best suited to take the most powerful political position in the free world. How great is that? The people who wanted to vote voted, and Mitt was chosen by 48% of those people. With only a 2.5% spread between “winner” and “loser,” that means that if slightly over 1% of voters changed their mind (ignoring the electoral college for a moment), the result could have been different. If anyone thinks their vote doesn’t count, this election (like 2000 and 2004) again disproved that. In a way that’s very encouraging. We, as conservatives, are not that far off. We have work to do to widen the tent, but we’re not that far off.

I know that the authors here at MittRomneyCentral and the other blogs with which we’ve associated from time to time, including Evangelicals for Mitt and Article 6 Blog, did everything they could to persuade, cajole and convince readers that Mitt Romney was the man for the job. I remain convinced of that fact, especially as we head “Forward” toward the fiscal cliff and our president this weekend was once again on the golf course. I trust Mitt would have been hard at work. But again we did our best. Literally millions of visitors came to the site to read what we wrote. It wasn’t enough, but that’s okay. We made our arguments, and the people got to choose. There’s something sacred in that, regardless of result, even if we prayed it may turn out otherwise.

I also know Mitt and family did their best. I thought Ann Coulter got it right. Mitt was the best candidate possible.

There have been articles on our site post-election thanking Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan and their families for the great sacrifices they made. I must also add my voice to those. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for being willing to serve, and not just willing, but for having the dogged determination to do your best to win an election that was so important, when there was literally nothing in it for you but your knowledge you were doing the right thing. Our nation owes the Romney and Ryan families a debt of gratitude it may never understand. Special thanks to Ann in particular, who, I know, felt the importance of this election personally, and with health difficulties that she carried gracefully, perhaps was more emotionally invested, and bore a greater cost, than was obvious to most people. Thank you.

As I look back, regardless of result I’ve loved every minute I’ve been involved with this effort. When you willingly make a sacrifice, it doesn’t feel like one. And this experience has been a life changer. It’s made me want to be involved in politics in some way going forward. If not us, then who?

While I may take some time to get back to full form, I will be back. At some point you’ll be able to find me tweeting at @ntsjohnson. I’d be encouraged if you followed me and listened in. I may even have something interesting to say from time to time. It may even be compelling from time to time, especially as we begin debating how we bring down this deficit.

But finally, thank you so much for reading. Thank you so much for your encouraging words. You also did your best knocking doors, making calls, soliciting donations and fighting the good fight. While we didn’t prevail this time, that’s okay. There’ll be another battle, and as you know there’s lots of error out there to correct. The principles of limited government and economic and religious freedom are the right ones. Those of us: you, me, the authors of MittRomneyCentral, who took up the effort are patriots. We fought for freedom. We may have lost the battle, but the war is not lost until we give up.

I’ll close out this long goodbye to MittRomneyCentral and its wonderful readers with Ronald Reagan’s classic quote: “freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” With that in mind, and knowing how important it is we stay engaged, I’m sure I’ll see you in 2014, and again in 2016, and beyond. Until then!

Photos in this post are from my personal collection, taken at the GOP Convention in Tampa.

Ann and I cannot thank you enough for supporting and believing in our cause.

This was more than just a campaign — this was a national movement.

Thank you for the work that you did — going across neighborhoods to knock on doors and put up yard signs. Thanks for making phone calls, coming to rallies, donating funds, and convincing friends and family to join our team.

What’s really inspiring is that you came together because you care about America.

We still believe that better days are ahead. It’s up to us to rally together to renew America’s promise and restore American greatness.

From the bottom of our hearts, Ann and I thank you for your support, prayers, efforts, and vote. We are forever grateful to each and every one of you.

Today’s a new day. Keep believing in America.

Thank you and God bless America,

Mitt and Ann Romney

With a full heart, this article is an attempt to convey the impossible – the depth of gratitude and admiration I feel for Mitt and Ann Romney. There just aren’t two better Americans.

To Mitt and Ann…You are heroes. Setting aside the comforts of privacy and home, because you dearly love America, you opened your arms to our nation. You didn’t offer a paltry, awkward one-arm extension, or an obligatory, half-way pat-pat hug. No, you offered a big, wide, all-encompassing we-love-you-we-want-to-help embrace. And it was wonderful. We felt your arms around us for nearly year and a half. Without thought of personal gain, you endured and shone throughout a rigorous campaign, continual scrutiny, the opposition’s brutal, incessant slander, media bias, the arm-chair critics, the long, never-ending on-your-feet hours, on-the-road suitcase living, and precious time away from your treasured family and other loved ones. You did it! With a deep desire to help reinvigorate and restore our troubled, economically traumatized country, you did it! You inspired us, lifted us, and gave us real hope. You did it with steely determination, strength, and style. And, you tied it all up with a ribbon of courage and class. Speaking on FOX News about the night of the election, dyed-in-the-wool Democrat strategist, Susan Estrich, said that you, Governor Romney, were a “model of dignity and grace, and set the tone” for civility. She spoke the truth.

It was an exciting day when we learned Mitt Romney had chosen Congressman Paul Ryan to be his Vice Presidential running mate. Serving as the House Budget Committee Chairman, we knew of Paul’s reputation for hard work, excellence, and leadership. We knew he was serious about getting government spending under control.

It was a true pleasure getting to know Paul and his wonderful family better as they accepted the call to help Governor Romney restore America.

There is very little I can add to Jayde’s and Ben’s comments below or to those left by the loyal supporters of Governor and Ann Romney. However, I will attempt to articulate what is in my heart at this time as my last post here at Mitt Romney Central.

First, I am most grateful to Mitt and Ann Romney for the countless sacrifices they made as they endured the grueling campaigning of 2007/2008 and 2011/2012. Nobody knows how intensely draining this experience has been except them. I have known from 2007 that Governor Romney is the best man and most qualified person to ever run for the office of president. Based on my knowledge of the likely future Republican candidates, I believe Mitt Romney will remain the most qualified person to run for the office for a long time. To Mitt and Ann, thank you for all you have given this nation as true patriots.

To the hope that Governor Romney will have many wonderful days in the sea, sand, and sun! (Photo courtesy of Matt Romney)

Second, I wish to publicly thank the MRC team. It has been a great privilege to be a part of this team in our mutual efforts of contribution. They are all true professionals. Most who read this will never truly understand the tremendous sacrifices in time, resources, and time away from family members that Nate Gunderson (owner) and the other early trailblazers of MRC made for the cause. We are all grateful to them for their dedication and sacrifices.

Since that Tuesday night in Boston, I have not accessed any news of any kind. I read a brief article sent to me by Jayde, but other than than that, I have no knowledge of any national or regional news since Tuesday. Frankly, I have no desire to see Monday morning “expert” analysis (whining).Click here to continue reading →

Ann Romney was touched by the overwhelming cheers and applause she received as she prepared to speak at the Repubican National Convention in Tampa, Florida. Aug 27, 2012

Vigorously campaigning for Mitt and Paul Ryan, Ann Romney’s wonderful warmth, easy-going manner, sense of humor, courage, and compassion endeared her to throngs of Americans across the country.

When team Obama tried to land an uppercut by claiming Ann had never worked a day in her life, she turned them on their heads by defending her work to raise her five sons. Interestingly, I still read comments about the Romney household supposedly being filled with tons of servants and nannies. Before MRC is archived, I want to set the record straight – again. No. Ann Romney did the hard work, ran her own home, raised five great sons, served her community, and was also a magnificent First Lady of Massachusetts. Only after becoming ill with multiple sclerosis was it was determined that an individual to help with housecleaning a couple of times a month would be helpful.

Long-labeled her husband’s ‘secret weapon’ it was thrilling to watch amazing Ann’s popularity take flight throughout the whole campaign process. And that’s where it will remain. (That convention speech of hers… WOW.) She is the neighbor we’d like to know and the mom or sister or friend we’d like to have.

First of all, a huge thank you to the 59,832,706 people who voted for Mitt Romney during this last contest. 60 million people saw what we here at Mitt Romney Central have believed about Mitt Romney from the beginning, that he would be the best person to lead America during these challenging and changing times. And we thank each and every one of you!

From the beginning, Mitt Romney has had to overcome huge obstacles to become the GOP nominee. Not only was he from one of the most liberal states in the country, but he was also responsible for a health care law that inspired Obamacare, something conservatives loathe to this day. Ironically, Mitt Romney represented the last chance for America to turn back from Obamacare, and yet America chose otherwise.

Also, Romney had to break new ground for religious freedom by being the first Mormon nominee of a major party. In a party with such large numbers of religious conservatives, this was no small task. Democrats are usually quick to point out how accepting they are of minorities of all stripes, but in this case it was the Republicans who were the first to nominate a well-qualified individual from this religious minority group and the GOP deserves credit for that.

Further, Romney was the first businessman to get so close to the presidency in a very long time. An unfortunate reality in American politics is that people with successful business backgrounds open themselves up to all kinds of attacks from political opponents. Whether the attacks be “he’s a rich guy who doesn’t understand the common man,” or “his business did harm to some people,” being a businessman is a profession fraught with difficulties when running for high political office. It’s really a shame because something America needs so badly is someone with skills and acumen for creating businesses and managing debt ridden programs.

Romney deserves great credit for having broken new ground in all these areas.

Nov 7, 2012: The morning after the election Mitt Romney relaxed with his family in Boston and shared a favorite treat – chocolate milk. While tweeting this photo, Mitt’s Body Man DG Jackson wrote, “Gov hanging out with family this morning. What an incredible family. So blessed to be so close to them.”

A rear view mirror look at the presidential election…

A headline yesterday announced the Romney campaign was shellshocked. Well, duh. Who wouldn’t be? I was. We all were.

With our nation in dire straits, we believed, hoped, and prayed our fellow Americans would see Obama’s vicious smears, lies, class warfare, and unrelenting personal attacks on Governor Romney for what it was. Gutter distraction. Unable to run on his record, knowing the real obstacle to his reelection was the economy, Obama and team decided early on to “kill” Romney with the aforesaid Chicago thuggery tactics. And a complicit mainstream media aided and abetted them.Click here to continue reading →

With their 19th grandchild on the way (son Craig’s wife, Mary, is expecting) Mitt and Ann Romney are obviously very comfortable and happy around babies. Ann recently shared just how much they love having their grandchildren with them (it was fun to see them at various events throughout the campaign!). Along the trail, several pundits also noted how natural and at ease Governor Romney was holding babies handed to him by parents along the rope line.

I’ve been saving a few photos of The Gov and the tykes he met. With another peek into the window of Mitt Romney’s oh-so-kind heart, here’s a walk down baby brigade memory lane…

Tuesday’s presidential election result caused a Virginia jeweler to close his store for a day.(Photo – WDBJ7.com)

After Tuesday night’s election outcome, R.T. Lyons, a grief-stricken jeweler in Bedford, Virginia, chose not to open his store the next day. He taped signs to his store windows explaining why…

BEDFORD Va.—
The owner of a Bedford jewelry store is explaining his decision to “mourn” the outcome of Tuesday’s Presidential election.

R.T. Lyons, owner of Lyons Jewelry, closed his business Wednesday and posted signs in his windows that read: “Closed to mourn the loss of the America that our forefathers endowed to us.”

“I just didn’t feel like coming to work,” Lyons said Thursday. …

Lyons said he was experiencing feelings of grief. He believes Barack Obama’s second term will bring an end to capitalism in the United States and ultimately hurt his business.
…

Lyons said he believes the President is trying to undermine the principals of free enterprise that were established by America’s founding fathers. He worries that Obama will raise taxes on the wealthy people who patronize his jewelry store.

“I’m in the luxury business,” Lyons said. “I deal with more expensive items.”

Although he didn’t support Obama in 2008, Lyons said he was hoping the President could be successful. He was “excited” about the possibility of a Romney presidency, due to the Republican candidate’s background in business.

“I’m sure people who are community organizers are excited (Obama) is in the White House,” Lyons said. “I was thinking I would be excited about a businessman in the White House.”

Lyons said his decison to close was not a ploy to attract attention to his business.

“I didn’t want to be happy and wait on people that day,” said Lyons. “I think I was in a period of mourning yesterday and it was good for me. I went through the process. I don’t know how many steps there are, but I went through them yesterday.”
…

As a result of Obama’s reelection and Obamacare repercussions, a Las Vegas small businessman, who employs 114 workers, was forced to fire 22 workers yesterday. Asking to be identified by his first name only (for obvious reasons), ‘David’ spoke with KXNT radio host Kevin Wall:

(CBS Las Vegas)…

“I’ve done my share of educating my employees. I never tell them which way to vote. I believe in the free system we have, I believe in the right to choose who they want to be president, but I did explain as a business owner that I have always put my employees first. I always made sure that when I went without a paycheck that [I] made sure they were paid. And I explained that I always put them first and unfortunately I’m at a point where I’m being forced to have to worry about me and my family now and a business that I built from just me to 114 employees.

“I explained to them a month ago that if Obama gets in office that the regulations for Obamacare are gonna hurt our business, and I’m gonna have to make provisions to make sure I have enough money to cover the payroll taxes, the additional health care I’m gonna have to do, and I explained that to them and I said you do what you feel like in your heart you need to do, but I’m just letting you know as a warning this is things I have to think of as a business owner.

“Well unfortunately, and most of my employees are Hispanic — I’m not gonna go into what kind of company I have, but I have mostly Hispanic employees — well unfortunately we know what happened and I can’t wait around anymore, I have to be proactive. I had to lay off 22 people today to make sure that my business is gonna thrive and I’m gonna be around for years to come. I have to build up that nest egg now for the taxes and regulations that are coming my way. Elections do have consequences, but so do choices. A choice you make every day has consequences and you know what, I’ve always put my employees first, but unfortunately today I have to put me and my family first, and you watch what’s gonna happen. I’m just one guy with 114 employees — well was 114 employees — watch what happens in the next six months. The Dow alone lost 314 points today. There’s a tsunami coming and if you didn’t think this election had consequences, just wait.”

Click on the image below to hear more of David’s compelling phone call (Click ‘back arrow’ to return to MRC):